2024 PGA Championship preview: Expert picks, course, weather and more

The 2024 PGA Championship is set to take place from Thursday, May 16 to Sunday, May 19 at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. This prestigious event, one of golf’s four major championships, is returning to Valhalla for the 4th time. The championship has a rich history of memorable moments and fierce competition, and this year promises to be no different.

The Valhalla Golf Club, designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, is a private golf club that opened in 1986. It has been ranked among Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Courses” for almost 30 consecutive years. The course stretches across nearly 500 acres of rolling hills, providing a breathtaking golf theater. It’s a course that demands precision, strategy, and adaptability from the players, making it a fitting venue for a championship of this caliber.

2024 PGA Championship Expert Picks:

Among the golfers participating in the championship, four stand out due to their impressive performances in recent tournaments and their past records in PGA Championships.

Scottie Scheffler, the current world number one and main favorite to win also the PGA Championship, has had an impressive 2024 season, with victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, THE PLAYERS Championship, Masters Tournament, and RBC Heritage. 

Rory McIlroy, a previous PGA Championship winner, has also had a strong 2024 season, with victories at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship. His experience and recent form make him a formidable competitor.

Jon Rahm has shown consistent performance throughout the 2024 season, despite he hasn’t won so far (he has six Top 10s in the LIV Golf season). His ability to perform well under pressure will be crucial in the championship.

Brooks Koepka a three-time PGA Championship winner, will be returning to defend his title, arriving on the shoulders of his recent win at Singapore. His experience and proven track record in major championships make him a golfer to watch out for.

Ludvig Aberg had an impressive performance at the Masters, where he was tied for the lead heading to the back nine on Sunday at Augusta National. This was his first major championship start and he has multiple majors written all over him. However, there is a concern about a “knee issue” that caused him to withdraw from the Wells Fargo Championship.

Weather and course conditions

The Valhalla Golf Club course is a par-72, with a length of 7,458 yards. It features a variety of hole designs, each presenting unique challenges to the golfers.The course itself is known for its diverse terrain, with a mix of flat and hilly areas, as well as water hazards and strategically placed bunkers.

As for the weather, May in Louisville typically sees mild to warm temperatures, with occasional rainfall. These conditions can add an extra layer of complexity to the game, challenging the golfers to adjust their strategies based on the weather, in orther to achieve the best possible performance at the PGA Championship. 

Sleeper Picks

While the aforementioned golfers are the favorites to win the PGA Championship, the unpredictable nature of golf means that there could be some surprise performances:

Nicolai Hojgaard is still seeking his first win this season, but finished in solo second at the Farmers Insurance Open. His skill set should translate well to Valhalla, the third-longest course on Tour this year, especially considering his performance at Torrey Pines (South), the longest course on the PGA Tour this season. He also performed well in the prior major this year, tying for 16th at the Masters with an opening-round 67.

Despite missing the cut in back-to-back events, Hojgaard’s price is appealing for bettors as his phenomenal performance off the tee, ranking fifth in Total Driving and 21st in Driving Distance this season, is a key to success at Valhalla. His approach shots, where he ranks 66th in Strokes Gained: Approach this season and 48th in Proximity, will also be crucial. With odds of 175-1, Hojgaard offers better upside than many other options in his odds range.

Keith Mitchell has demonstrated remarkable consistency recently, making the cut in nine out of his last ten events and finishing within the top 20 in six of those. He has placed in the top 10 at both the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches and The American Express, showing his ability to remain in contention regularly this season.

Mitchell’s performance off the tee has been exceptional, and he’s been precise from the fairways. As one of the longest hitters on Tour, averaging 307 yards per drive, he ranks 28th in Driving Distance and sixth in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee this season. His driving distance could be a significant advantage at a long course like Valhalla.

The 2024 PGA Championship is shaping up to be an exciting event. With a challenging course, a strong field of competitors, and the unpredictable nature of golf, fans can look forward to four days of top-tier golf.